Becoming a Flight Attendant

Since embarking on this new journey, I've had several people ask me about my career as a flight attendant!  I figured I would share my story on how I even stumbled upon this gem of a life I'm now living.  I'm currently 26 and I feel like I've had quite a few "life experiences" already.  I worked in real estate for 5 years starting when I was only 19 years old, I have my degree in business marketing, I've been on a reality TV show,  I've been featured in national marketing campaigns, was Miss New Mexico World 2015, and I was Miss New Mexico USA 2017.  With all of that under my belt, it may come as a surprise when I say that becoming a flight attendant was BY FAR my most difficult endeavor.

I really can't pinpoint one specific thing that made me want to be a flight attendant.  Being a flight attendant was always something that was in the back of my mind growing up.  I traveled a lot with sports in high school and college, so I think just doing a decent amount of traveling really opened my eyes to making a career out of it.   In college specifically, when I was studying marketing, I really admired the company I now work for.  I knew for several years that one way or another I was going to work for this company.  What I didn't know however, was just how difficult it was going to be to land a job.

All in all, it took me two and a half years to a become flight attendant.  I repeat, TWO AND A HALF YEARS.  That is a heck of a lot of waiting!  I applied for the flight attendant position when they had an opening  in 2016.  I was so excited but then after months, and months, and months of not hearing a single word back, I figured I didn't get the job.  About 10 months after  I had applied, I moved to San Diego and got a job with a local TV station doing advertising and marketing.  I was just starting to get settled into a life out here when all of a sudden I got a voicemail saying, "Hello this is Bill and I was wondering if you were still interested in the flight attendant position you applied for?"  I thought it was a prank call!  For some reason, I ended up calling Bill back and sure enough, it was legit!  I said yes like I just received some elaborate marriage proposal!   I remember running around my apartment screaming with excitement!

After that phone call, I had to fill out some paperwork and wait a couple months for an over the phone interview.  I was so nervous for my first interview!  The first interview was pretty extensive.  It wasn't a breeze in the park by any means.  I had no idea if they liked me or not afterwards which usually isn't a good sign.  However a few weeks after that, I received a phone call saying that I was moving forward and to be on the look out for further instructions for the face to face interview.  Once again, I was left waiting.  I didn't hear anything for so long, I started to wonder if they forgot about me.  Finally, they called back and gave me a few days notice for a face to face interview in Dallas, Texas.

My interview in Dallas was a blast.  I'll never forget the feeling of walking into headquarters for the first time.  I felt like I had made it!  For some reason, I wasn't as nervous for the face to face interview.   I knew I had what it took to be a great flight attendant, and I knew how passionate I was about the brand.  I knew all I needed to do was be genuine.  I also truly believe that everything happens for a reason, so I was at peace knowing it would work out how it was suppose to.  They asked some pretty hard hitting questions, but I had prepared as much as possible and left feeling great! However... I didn't back hear right away, once again!

During the week of my 26th birthday, I received one of the best gifts!  I FINALLY got the word that I was HIRED for a dream job, with my dream company!!! It was contingent on me passing flight attendant training, but none the less, I got the job!

I like to think that this experience was a learning lesson for me.  Good things take TIME.  There is beauty in staying patient and staying hopeful.  I can't tell you how many times I could've lost hope, and honestly there were moments that I really wanted to but persistence, hard work, and dedication always pay off in the end.


This is just the beginning of my story.  It's actually a very small part of my journey to becoming a flight attendant but I just wanted to share it with you all because I know there are probably some people out there who are currently in my shoes, playing the waiting game!  Don't ever lose hope!

Espwa

xoxo,

Ashley Nicole

How to be Confident

How to be Confident 

I AM 

Confident 

Passionate 

Enthusiastic 

Born with a Purpose 

Confidence is the foundation for everything in life.  Whether you have a an interview for a new job, are going on a date, giving a presentation in class, or performing for an audience,  making your presence known and leaving a lasting impression with everyone you meet, is a powerful trait.  Having confidence makes your feel more valuable and ultimately leads to more success in EVERY aspect of your life!    

There are so many people who live everyday with self-limiting beliefs.  No one controls your confidence but YOU, which means at any given time, you can become more confident… you can become the person you have always wanted to be.  Don’t settle for what is, strive for what could be!  You are a gift, meant to do great things on this earth. I hope by the end of this post you feel inspired and confident to take on the world! 

Stop comparing yourself to others  

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” -Theodore Roosevelt 

We are each beautiful in our own unique way.  To spend one second comparing ourselves to someone else is unfair. There is a sense of freedom you get when you stop competing and start appreciating.  When you start comparing yourself to others, you start to lose confidence in yourself!  Don’t let anyone rob you of reaching your full potential.  

Fake it till you make it. 

One of my favorite quotes is, “change your thoughts, change your world.”  Our thoughts are much more powerful than we could ever imagine.  What we think is literally what we become.  Imitating confidence will not only trick everyone around you into thinking that you in fact confident, but it will also send signals from your brain to your body that you are confident! So stand up straight, hold your head up high, and put on a smile! Before you know it, everyone around you will think you are expert… including yourself! 

Journal 

I know journaling seems like a thing of the past, but I find it so important.  You don’t have to write long novels every single night, but try writing down the things that you accomplish every week.  It doesn’t have to be some grand gesture… maybe you turned down a cookie at the office this week and that made you proud! Write down anything that makes you feel accomplished.  Then, whenever you are feeling down or disappointed, look back in your journal.  Your frown will start to turn upside down!  

Channel your favorite celebrity

When you find yourself feeling like you are in a less-than state of mind, think of a person who you admire!  The positive qualities that we look up to in our favorite celebrities not only empower us but they also push us to become the best version of ourselves we can possibly be! Take a second to think about someone who makes you want to be a better person, write down the qualities that attract you to them, and think of that person when you find yourself feeling nervous! 

Stay Positive 

I start each day with writing down 5 things I am grateful for.  There is something about starting your day with gratitude that really changes your perspective.  Being able to start your day with such an uplifting and positive outlook on life, sets you up for success! 

Accept your mistakes 

Mistakes are inevitable… the best thing you can do is move on!  Always remember… “Every setback is a setup for comeback!” And don't be so hard on yourself... a 90% is still an A! 

Exercise

Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins.  Endorphins make you happy..”  and she was right! Working out makes you feel so much better!  When you feel good you, look good, and when you look good, you feel good!  Even if you can only workout 20 minutes a day, make it happen.  You will thank yourself later!  

Love yourself 

As I mentioned earlier, our thoughts are powerful.  They feed our soul, and nourish our body.  Make sure the energy you are sending yourself is positive. Thinking negative thoughts is just like eating junk food.  They start to poison us from the inside out.  The best way to change your thought process is to start writing daily affirmations.  I encourage you to spend the next 30 days writing something positive down, 10 times a day.  It can be anything you want… as long as it’s encouraging and celebrating you!  

When we achieve self-confidence, we know who we are and appreciate ourselves for it.  I truly believe that once self-confidence is running through our veins, we start to make better choices and decisions in life.  Whether we like it or not, our confidence effects how we live and enjoy our life.    With dedication and determination… we can achieve ANYTHING!  Never let your will to succeed, die down!  

Always do something to keep that fire in your belly burning!  

XoXo 

Ashley